Harry Roque hits back at UP critics opposing his nomination to ILC

PRESIDENTIAL spokesperson Harry Roque has hit back at his alma mater, the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, for opposing his nomination to become a member of the International Law Commission (ILC).

In a statement last Tuesday, the UP Diliman Executive Committee warned the ILC will only harm its reputation if it includes Roque among its ranks for his “poor track record of promoting, defending and fulfilling human rights and rule of law.” 

The UP Diliman Executive Committee came out with the position after a leaked video, showing Roque berating medical experts for suggesting another lockdown in Metro Manila, became viral. 

Roque condemned the UP Diliman Executive Committee for its “flimsy justification” for objecting his nomination. 

“It is unfortunate that some members of the UP academy would conveniently ignore and erase over thirty years of hard work and concrete accomplishments simply because our politics do not align,” Roque said. 

He maintained he advocated human rights during his 30-year career as a lawyer, having handled high-profile cases such as those for 19 victims of the Ampatuan massacre in domestic courts, Panatag Shoal fishermen, the comfort women of World War II and the families of Darius Evangelista and Jennifer Laude, among others. 

“In all these cases, I battled powerful interests in order to ensure that proper remedies were availed of, the rule of law was upheld and justice was served,” Roque said. 

As proof of his concern for human rights, he also cited the laws which he helped pass during his stint as congressman such as the Universal Health Care Law and the Free Irrigation Service Act

Roque insists his experience as lawyer and lawmaker makes him qualified to become a member of the ILC. 

“My curriculum vitae speaks for itself regarding my credentials in the field of public international law,” Roque said. 

If granted ILC membership, Roque said he will be advocating for vaccine equality among countries, and a treaty recognizing maritime jurisdictions in the event of a rise in sea level driven by climate change.

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